58 Unique Spiders in Iowa

There are over 58 species types of spiders in Iowa. Spiders are arachnids, similar to scorpions, or centipedes.

Known for their eight legs and many eyes, spiders are one of the most feared animals in the world. Despite their reputation, most spiders are harmless. This article will cover the dangerous spiders in Iowa, as well as the others that you may find.

Spiders come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. Some species may be very similar to one another, and can only be told apart using a microscope.

If spotted in the wild you can use a spider’s location, behavior, webbing, and appearance to identify it. Let’s take a look at 58 spiders you can find in Iowa, and the interesting things you should know about them.

Spiders in Iowa

1. Furrow Orbweaver

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Larinioides cornutus
• Other Names: Furrow Orbweaver 
• Adult Size: 10 to 12 mm (0.39 to 0.47 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a  

Across the state of Iowa, furrow spiders can be found making webs both indoors and outdoors. This species likes to build its webs close to the ground in shrubs, grass, or on damp vegetation.

Furrow orbweavers are typically found living in moist areas, especially near water sources. They are also commonly found living near porches, in gardens, or on the sides of buildings.

The furrow orbweaver can be identified by its large oval abdomen with distinct black or dark brown markings that appear on bodies that look like a furrow. Furrow orbweavers have bands on their legs and a shiny appearance.

Like other orbweavers, this spider builds a large circular web to catch their prey. They are nocturnal and repair their web to easier catch prey at night.

In the dawn, this spider may tear down its web to prevent predators like birds or wasps from knowing their location.

2. Shamrock Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Araneidae
• Scientific Name: Araneus trifolium
• Other Names: Shamrock orbweaver
• Adult Size: 19 mm (0.74 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year
• Average Price Range: n/a

The shamrock spider is one of the many types of orb weaver species that live in Iowa.

This spider is found across the United States and Canada. They, like other orbweavers live in circular webs, sitting in the center of their sticky silk.

Shamrock spiders live in humid areas with lots of vegetation. They inhabit grasslands, gardens, backyards, and woodlands. When not in their web this spider hides in a nearby retreat.

Shamrock spiders come in a variety of colors like white, red, brown, yellow, olive, or greenish. This spider has bands on its legs, dimples on its abdomen, and is covered in small hairs.

They have a dot pattern on their abdomen that is white. Shamrock spiders that are male look similar to females, but have slightly smaller abdomens, with long legs.

Sitting in their web, shamrock spiders ambush small insect prey that falls into their silk. Birds, wasps, and ambushing spiders are the main predators of orbweavers.

The bite of this spider is harmless and has similar effects to a bee sting.

3. Arabesque Orbweaver 

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Neoscona arabesca
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 5 to 7 mm (0.19 to 0.27 inches) 
• Lifespan:  1 year
• Average Price Range: n/a

Arabesque orbweavers are found across North America. This spider lives in habitats like gardens, meadows, grasslands, and forests.

Mostly active at night, this spider is often seen in the circular web they spin. Only female orbweavers build webs, while males spend their time looking for a mate.

Arabesque orbweavers are named after the swirling pattern that appears on their abdomen. They have gray, black, orange, or yellow coloring, with a large abdomen, and spindly legs.

These spiders are covered in lines and dashes. They have thick hairs on them, used to help know when something falls into their trap.

The arabesque orbweaver is sighted most in the summer and fall months. They are not dangerous to humans, but may live near lights, and other places near homes with lots of insects.

Flies, gnats, moths, and mosquitoes are some of the things they eat.

4. Giant Lichen Orbweaver 

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Araneus bicentenarius
• Other Names: n/a
• Adult Size: 10 to 30 mm ( 0.39 to 1.18 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a

The giant lichen orbweaver is a large spider, living in moist woodland habitats. This spider builds large webs that reach up to 6 feet in diameter.

They are mainly found in the Midwest, and the eastern United States, including Iowa. The giant lichen orbweaver lives near trees, shrubs, and lichen for them to camouflage in.

This spider is greenish gray, with black markings on them, and a furrow pattern running down their abdomen. They are named after their coloring and appearance, which looks similar to lichen moss. This spider is one of the largest orbweavers in Iowa and has large bulbous abdomens.

Active at night, they sit in the center of their web waiting for insects. Their camouflage helps them hide in the day in things like rocks, logs, or tree branches.

The giant lichen orbweaver is active in the summer months. Orbweavers need moist environments to survive since they drink water droplets that form on their web.

5. Marbled Orbweaver 

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Araneus marmoreus
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 9 to 22 mm (0.35 to 0.86 inches) 
• Lifespan:  1 year
• Average Price Range: $20

Marbled orbweavers are named after the marbled pattern that appears on their abdomen. This spider looks similar to other orbweavers, having a rounded abdomen and spindly legs.

They have dark bands on their legs. Their marble pattern can appear black, or orangeish. Yellow, orange, brown, and white are the possible colors this spider is found in.

Marbled orbweavers create circular webs, and live in wetlands, meadows, and forest habitats. They are nocturnal, and in the day find a retreat for them to hide in near their web.

This spider feeds on flying insects and uses venom to paralyze their prey. Marbled orbweavers are active in the summer and fall months, spending this time breeding.

Winter is when adults die, while their young, and egg sacs wait to emerge in the spring.

6. Spined Micrathena 

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Micrathena gracilis
• Other Names: Castleback orbweaver 
• Adult Size: 4 to 10 mm (0.15 to 0.31 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a

Native to North America, the spined micrathena is a spider you may find in Iowa. They create circular webs, living in woodland habitats.

This spider is nomadic, traveling around and building new webs weekly. This spider lives in hardwood forests next to ponds, lakes, lagoons, or other water sources. The summer is when these spiders are most sighted, and they are nocturnal.

The spined micrathena is named after the black spikes that come out of its abdomen. This spider has white coloring, with a black, sometimes yellow mottled pattern on them.

Spined micrathena are small and have dark black legs and a carapace. Males are small in size, with no spikes, and a white pill-shaped abdomen. 

The spined micrathena is a dormant species in the winter. They become more active in the hot humid rainy season, mating when it floods.

This spider often lives close to each other, making small colonies.

7. White Micrathena 

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Micrathena mitrata
• Other Names: Spiny orbweavers 
• Adult Size: 4.2 to 10.8 mm (0.16 to 0.42 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a  

The white micrathena is a common species in the United States, found in Iowa and other eastern states. This spider is small but is noticeable due to the circular webs they create.

They weave their webs vertically and use vegetation to support them. White micrathena are active during the day and are sometimes spotted in the center of their webs.

This spider is named after its white coloring, and their abdomens are shaped like a turban. White micrathena are covered in brown dimples, and at the top are their abdomens are pointy tubercles.

This spider is harmless to humans and great at using their webs to catch small insects, like mosquitoes, and gnats.

8. Arrow-shaped Micrathena

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Arneidae 
• Scientific Name: Micrathena sagittata
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 5 to 9 mm (0.20 to 0.35 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a  

The arrow-shaped orb weaver is common in the eastern United States, including Iowa.

North and Central America is where this spider is found. They live in vegetated areas like gardens, backyards, and woodlands.

This spider begins to emerge from its eggs in the spring. Adults are sighted most in the summer and fall. Winter is not suitable for most orbweaver spiders.

Arrow-shaped orb weavers are named after their abdomen, which is like the end of an arrow. Large spikes protrude from this spider’s abdomen, and they are covered in black dimples.

They have reddish legs and heads, with a yellow-colored abdomen. Males are smaller with no spikes and darker colored.

This spider builds a circular web to live in, and catch insects. Birds are this spider’s main predator, and birds also use their webs to create their nests.

9. Triangle Orbweaver

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Araneidae
• Scientific Name: Verrucosa arenata
• Other Names: Arrowhead spider
• Adult Size: 9.5 mm (0.37inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year
• Average Price Range: n/a

The triangle orbweaver lives in woodlands and hardwood forest habitats.

This species is active mostly in the summer and fall months. Triangle orbweavers live in trees, bushes, and around other vegetation. They are sighted most in the summer, and fall months.

This spider is named after its abdomen, which is shaped like a triangle. They have a white, or yellow triangle marking on their abdomen.

These spiders have a brown, or reddish color on their carapace and legs. Bands appear on their legs.

Triangle orbweavers like other similar species build circular webs to live in. They make their web supported by vegetation and use them to catch small insects.

10. Tuft-Legged Orbweaver 

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Mangora placida
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 5 to 7 mm ( 0.19 to 0.27 inches) 
• Lifespan:  1 year
• Average Price Range: n/a

The tuft-legged orb weaver is a rare species to find because of its smaller size. This spider is active in spring and the early summer months.

Tuft-legged orb weavers live in habitats such as woodlands, grasslands, and gardens. They create small circular webs, made of mesh silk.

This small species is tan, with a large abdomen. They have a dark furrow pattern that runs down their abdomen and a dark line on their carapace.

This spider is covered in thick hairs that help it know when prey falls into its web. Males and females of this species look similar, except males have large pedipalps.

Their fine-laced webs help them catch small flying insect prey.

11. Lined Orbweaver 

• Experience Level: Intermediate   
• Family: Araneae 
• Scientific Name: Mangora gibberosa
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 5 to 6 mm (0.2 to 0.25 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year
• Average Price Range: n/a

Iowa and other states within the eastern United States are where the lined orbweaver spider lives.

This species builds circular webs that are tightly knit. In the center of their web is a stabilimentum, made of thick silk, and in a circle shape.

Lined orbweaver have white plump abdomen, and greenish legs that are slightly translucent. They have a dark line running down their carapace, with thick hair covering their legs. Lined orbweavers are named after the dark-lined markings on their abdomens.

This spider lives in grasslands, woodlands, and edged habitats. They are sighted most in the fall months, seen sitting in the center of their webs.

Lined orbweavers are harmless, and are only dangerous to the flying insects they feed on.

12. Orchard Orbweaver 

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Tetragnathidae
• Scientific Name: Leucauge venusta
• Other Names: Orchard spider 
• Adult Size: 3.5 to 7.5 mm (0.13 to 0.29 inches) 
• Lifespan:  1 year
• Average Price Range: $20

The orchard orbweaver is mainly found in the southeastern United States. In Iowa, they are mainly seen in the southern regions.

Like their name suggests this spider lives in orchards, but is also seen in other vegetated habitats like meadows. This spider creates a circular web to live in, and they are sometimes spotted sitting in the center of their web.

Orchard orbweavers come in multiple colors. Their legs and abdomen are an emerald green color.

Their abdomens are elongated, with silver, yellow, and reddish markings. Males and females look similar, but male orchard spiders have smaller bodies, with longer legs.

Insects are what this spider eats, and fly-type bugs are what they feed on the most. Their webs are often built close to the ground and are supported by low-lying vegetation.

13. Banded Garden Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Argiope trifasciata
• Other Names: Banded orb weaving spider 
• Adult Size: 15 to 25 mm (0.59 to 0.98 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

Banded garden spiders are a large species that live in Iowa, and other regions across North America.

This species like other orbweavers build large circular webs to live in. They are active in gardens, backyards, meadows, open woodlands, and other similar habitats. This species is diurnal and is active mostly in the summer and fall months.

Banded garden spiders are named after the black, white, and yellow bands that appear on them. This species has a rounded abdomen with a pointed end.

They are covered in small hairs and have long, spindly legs. Females are much larger than males and are seen sitting in the center of their web with their bodies in an X shape.

Male banded garden spiders are around ¼ of females and are usually only seen when in a female’s web during mating season. Fall is typically the mating season for this spider, and they lay up to 1,000 eggs. The eggs over winter, and begin to hatch in the spring.

Banded garden spiders sit in their web waiting for food to get caught in their silk. They feed on insects, wrapping them in silk, and injecting them with a paralyzing venom.

This spider is not dangerous to humans and is not aggressive unless provoked.

14. Black and Yellow Garden Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Araneidae 
• Scientific Name: Argiope aurantia
• Other Names: Yellow garden spider  
• Adult Size: 5 to 28 mm ( 0.2 to 1.1 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: $8 

The black and yellow garden spider is a large species that lives in grasslands, meadows, open woodlands, and other similar habitats.

This species creates large webs, with a zig-zag pattern made of silk running down the center of their webs. Black and yellow garden spiders are seen most in the summer and fall, active in moist environments. 

Black and yellow garden spiders are named after their black and yellow coloring. This spider has a pointed abdomen with spindly legs.

They have black, white, and yellowish coloring, with females being much larger than males. Black and yellow garden spiders are active during the day and sit in their web with their body shaped like an X.

This spider is harmless to humans, despite their flashy colors. They feed on butterflies, moths, grasshoppers, and other insects that get caught in their web during the day.

This spider ambushes its prey and uses its venom to neutralize them.

15. American House Spider 

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Theridiidae 
• Scientific Name: Parasteatoda tepidariorum
• Other Names: Common House Spider
• Adult Size: 3 to 5 mm (0.11 to 0.19 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 to 2 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

The American house spider is an extremely common species in the United States, including Iowa.

This spider builds messy webs, placing them where they are most likely to find food. The American house spider is common year-round and is found in homes and other man-made structures.

Males and females of this species look similar, both similar, having a bulbous pointed abdomen, and spindly legs. This spider has tan, to dark brown coloring, and is covered in a white mottled pattern. They have bands on their legs, and their coloring helps them blend into walls.

American house spiders build messy webs to live in, and catch insects. This spider builds egg sacs that contain up to 200 eggs, but most of them die before maturing.

Common house spiders eat things like small insects, flies, ants, and wasps. They are harmless to humans and help control pests.

16. Triangulate Combfoot

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Theridiidae 
• Scientific Name: Steatoda triangulosa
• Other Names: Triangulate bud spider, Triangulate Cobweb Spider 
• Adult Size: 3 to 6 mm (0.1 to 0.23 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 to 3 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

The triangulate cobweb spider was first described in 1802 and is an extremely common species spread across the United States.

This species builds messy webs to live in, making them in places with lots of prey. Triangulate cobweb spiders are not only found in Iowa, but have a global range that reaches Russia, New Zealand, and Europe. 

The triangulate cobweb spiders have dark brown, to reddish brown coloring. This spider has a large rounded abdomen, with spindly legs.

Males have a smaller abdomen, but long legs. Tan bands run down this spider’s legs. They have a wavy cream pattern on their abdomens.

This spider feeds on insects like ants, ticks, and even pillbugs. They can kill deadly spiders like the brown recluse and are beneficial in getting rid of pests.

When laying their egg sac this spider lays around 30 eggs. In homes, this spider is found most in windows and uses chemical cues to find places with lots of insect traffic.

17. Rabbit Hutch Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Theridiidae 
• Scientific Name: Steatoda bipunctata
• Other Names: False widow 
• Adult Size: 16 mm (0.75 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

Rabbit hutch spiders are often found in the cages of rabbits. They mainly live in areas with lots of insects, like animal pens.

This spider builds messy webs and lives in buildings or outdoor structures. Rabbit hutch spiders are found across the United States, and are active year-round.

This spider has a large abdomen, with dark brown coloring. They have a cream line that runs down the center of their abdomen and bands on their legs. Males of this species look similar to females and have large pedipalps.

The rabbit hutch spider is attracted to areas with lots of insects, which is why they are common in animal pens. This spider is harmless to humans and animals and is great at reducing pests.

18. False Black Widow Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Theridiidae 
• Scientific Name: Steatoda grossa
• Other Names: brown house spider, cupboard spider 
• Adult Size: 10 to 14 mm (0.39 to 0.55 inches) 
• Lifespan: 2 to 6 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

Steatoda grossa is one of eight species within the Steatoda species that live in the United States. This spider is found near homes, and other structures.

They create messy webs in secluded areas and are active at night. This species is active year round, and is seen most in the spring season.

False black widow spiders are sometimes confused for the deadly black widow, but black widows are rare in Iowa. While a member of the same tangle web family of Theridiidae, this spider’s venom is not dangerous like a widow’s.

False black widows that are male are small, with a round abdomen, and black and cream coloring. Females have a large bulbous abdomen, with a reddish to purple coloring. They are covered in a mottled cream color, and lack the red hourglass.

This spider sits in its web, waiting for small insects like flies or moths to fall into their silk. They use vibrations to know when things fall into their web, and ambush their prey.

Bites only occur to humans if they feel threatened, and may cause symptoms like nausea, fever, and mild swelling.

19. Southern Black Widow 

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Theridiidae 
• Scientific Name: Latrodectus mactans
• Other Names: Shoe-button spider 
• Adult Size: 8 to 13 mm (0.3 to 0.5 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 to 3 years 
• Average Price Range: $20  

In Iowa the southern black widow is one of the most dangerous spiders in the United States. Summer and fall is when this spider is active, but this spider is considered rare in Iowa.

Black widows are nocturnal, and during the day they find secluded areas to hide near their web. Black widows build messy cobwebs to live in, placed outdoors in areas like under furniture, water spouts, on the sides of houses, in bushes, and in sheds.

Black widows have a large round abdomen, with spindly legs. Females have a jet black coloring, with a red hourglass on the underside of their abdomen.

Males are smaller, and are not seen often unless in a female’s web. They have a gray, or brown coloring, with red and white markings on them.

Only female black widows are dangerous. This spider’s venom is around 15 times stronger than rattlesnakes.

Black widows only administer a small amount of venom, which can cause symptoms like nausea, fever, muscle aches, and malaise. This spider bite is mainly used to kill prey like smaller soft-bodied insects, but their bites are dangerous.

20. Candy-Striped Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Theridiidae 
• Scientific Name: Enoplognatha ovata
• Other Names: Common candy striped spider
• Adult Size: 3.5 to 7 mm (0.13 to 2.7 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a

While native to Europe, the candy striped spider was introduced to North America, and has made a home all over the region. Candy-striped spiders live in vegetation, making messy webs to live in.

It is common for this spider to live close together in colonies. Forests, fields, and gardens are common habitats they live in.

The candy-striped spider has a bulbous abdomen, with spindly legs. This small species is named after the red colored marking that appears on their abdomen near the edge of their body.

This spider is yellow, or cream colored, with a dark line running down their carapace. They sometimes have black spots, or yellow markings on them.

The messy web this spider creates is used to hide, and is placed on vegetation. They overwinter in leaf litter during the cold season, and summer is when they mate.

Candy-striped spiders lay their eggs in a rolled leaf, and females guard their eggs until their spiderlings disperse.

21. Long-Bodied Cellar Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Pholcidae 
• Scientific Name: Pholcus phalangioides
• Other Names: Skull spider, Daddy long-leg spider 
• Adult Size: 6 to 10 mm (0.23 to 3.9 inches) 
• Lifespan: 0.5 to 2 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

The long-bodied cellar spider is a common spider in Iowa.

This species is active year round, and they sometimes make their homes indoors, like in warehouses, garages, kitchens, and other similar places. This spider builds a messy web, and they are sometimes found together, making a large communal web.

Cellar spiders are one of the few animals that people call daddy long legs, which also includes crane flies, and harvestmen. Cellar spiders have long thin legs, which are much bigger than their small pill shaped bodies. This spider’s coloring is tan, with dark markings appearing on their joints, and abdomens.

Long-bodied cellar spiders are extremely harmless, with bites that cannot pierce human skin. They are helpful to humans since their messy webs kill a variety of pests like flies, roaches, and even more dangerous spiders like the black widow, or brown recluse.

Cellar spiders may be active year round indoors, but outdoors are seen most in the spring and fall.

22. Barn Funnel Weaver

• Experience Level: Beginner  
• Family: Agelenidae 
• Scientific Name: Tegenaria domestica
• Other Names: Domestic house spider 
• Adult Size: 6 to 11.5 mm (0.24 to 0.45 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 to 5 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a

The barn funnel weaver is a common spider found in most of the U.S.

This spider inhabits Iowa, making its home in barns, sheds, garages, under rocks, and other secluded areas. Barn funnel weavers build sheet webs with a funnel retreat for them to hide in.

This spider has tan to reddish brown coloring. They have a large round abdomen, with grayish brown chevron markings covering it. Their legs are banded and long. Males of this species have smaller abdomens, with long legs, but have the same coloring and patterns.

Barn funnel weavers are not seen often due to their secretive nature. This spider is not aggressive, and if provoked they will retreat into their webs.

Barn funnel weavers rush their insect prey, and drag them into their web when they get near.

23. American Grass Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Agelenidae
• Scientific Name: Agelenopsis naevia
• Other Names: Funnel weavers, sheet web spiders, Dark-legged Grass Spider
• Adult Size: 9 to 20 mm (0.35 to 0.78 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year
• Average Price Range: n/a 

The American grass spider is a widespread species, and these spiders are found across the United States.

They are funnel weaver spider that lives on lawns, bushes, flowering pots, and similar vegetation. This spider is active at night, and in the day they hide within their funnel retreat. 

Grass spiders are small to medium-sized. They are tan with two dark lines that run down their body.

They have brown mottled markings on their abdomens and a spinneret that looks like a tail. Their legs are long, and covered in small hairs that help detect when something is near their web.

Grass spiders wait near the edge of their web at night to pounce on incoming prey. Aphids, moths, and other insects in vegetation are what this spider eats.

They are harmless to humans, and if spotted they will quickly retreat into their funnels.

24. Leaf-curling Sac Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Clubionidae
• Scientific Name: Clubiona spp
• Other Names: n/a
• Adult Size: 6 to 10 mm (0.24 to 0.39 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year
• Average Price Range: n/a

Leaf curling sac spiders are a type of spider that lives all over the United States.

These spiders belong to the Clubiona genus, and there are around 50 species within this genus in the United States. Leaf-curling sac spiders live in highly vegetated areas, moving around plant life.

These spiders are active from the spring to fall months. They curl leaves to lay their eggs, and die in their curled leaves graves.

This spider is small and tan to cream-colored. Velvety hair covers them, and they have large black fangs. This species has eight eyes, placed in two rows, with 6 on the bottom row and two at the top.

Leaf curling sac spiders are a hairy species with a pointed abdomen. Their time is spent wandering looking for small insect prey to eat.

25. Northern Yellow Sac Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Cheiracanthiidae  
• Scientific Name: Cheiracanthium mildei
• Other Names: Long-legged Sac Spider 
• Adult Size:  5 to 10 mm (0.19 to 0.39 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
• Average Price Range: n/a  

Northern yellow sac spiders are found in Iowa, and are a widespread species with a global range. This spider is found outdoors in backyards, gardens, and other vegetated areas.

They sometimes make their ways indoors, and hide under things like cardboard and laundry. Yellow sac spiders are active at night, and in the day make a silk sac to rest in.

This spider has beige, or yellow coloring. They have eight eyes, placed in two horizontal rows.

At night this spider’s eyes glow, but their vision is poor despite their tapetum lucidum. Yellow sac spiders have faint hair covering them, and large black fangs.

While originally this spider was considered dangerous to humans, their venom is not considered medically significant anymore. Females are more aggressive, and may bite if provoked.

This spider spends its time hunting for insects, and other spiders in the night.

26. Broad-faced Sac Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Trachelidae  
• Scientific Name: Trachelas tranquillus
• Other Names: Bullheaded Sac Spider 
• Adult Size: 5 to 10 mm (0.19 to 0.39 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 to 2 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

Broad-faced sac spiders are a common spider in the eastern United States.

This species is active at night, and in the day creates a silk retreat to rest in. Broad faced sac spiders are sighted most in the fall months, and when it gets more cold they begin to make their way indoors.

This spider’s abdomen is large and round, with a gray color. Their carapace is dark brown, to black, and their legs are orangish.

Broad-faced sac spiders are named after their large heads. Females are slightly larger than males.

Broad-faced sac spiders have a painful bite that may lead to infection if not treated correctly. They have large fangs that are used to pierce their prey, but their venom is only as strong as a bee sting.

Dead insects, mites, and other spiders are what they eat.

27. Red-spotted Ant-mimic Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Corinnidae 
• Scientific Name: Castianeira descripta
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 13 mm (0.51 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 to 2 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a

Red-spotted ant mimic spiders are found all over the United States.

This species lives in parks, gardens, grassy areas, and other places with ants. This spider is active in the day, and when resting hides under logs, soil, or leaf litter.

Red-spotted ant mimic spiders copy an ant’s behavior by raising their front legs to look like antennas. Their coloring and appearance copies red velvet ants, which there are a few species in Iowa.

The red-spotted ant mimic spider colorings while copying a velvet spider; they are sometimes confused for black widows. They have a jet-black coloring, and a red blotch on their abdomen. 

Red-spotted ant mimic spiders stay near ants, and copy them to not be preyed on by them. They ambush prey, and are very quick.

This spider is harmless to humans, despite their black and red coloring. 

28. Long-palped Ant-mimic Sac Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Corinnidae 
• Scientific Name: Castianeira longipalpa
• Other Names: Banded Sac Spider 
• Adult Size: 3 to 13 mm (0.11 to 0.51 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 to 2 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a

The long-palped ant mimic spider is found in the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains.

This species is one of the few types of spiders in the state that mimics an ant in appearance and behavior. The long-palped ant mimic spiders only use its silk to create egg sacs, and also make a retreat for them to lay their eggs.

This spider has black coloring, sometimes with a yellow mottled marking on their abdomen, and carapace. Their legs also have brown coloring near their tips.

They walk slowly with their two front legs in the air, copying an ant’s antenna. This spider uses its speed to chase down prey.

By copying an ant they seem more harmless to prey, and also helps them avoid being attacked by ants.

29. Woodlouse Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Dysderidae 
• Scientific Name: Dysdera crocata
• Other Names: Woodlouse hunter, sowbug killer 
• Adult Size: 9 to 3 mm (0.35 to 0.59 inches)
• Lifespan: 2 to 5 years
• Average Price Range: n/a

The eastern United States is where the woodlouse spiders’ main range in the United States is. This species lives in dark and moist areas.

They are regularly found near woodlice and often use them as food. Woodlouse spiders are nocturnal, and during the day a silk retreat is made for them to rest in.

This spider has reddish-to-orange coloring on their legs and head. Their abdomen is round, and tan.

They only have six eyes, grouped at the top of their carapace near their fangs. A bite from this spider can be painful since the woodlouse spider has large fangs, used to pierce its prey exoskeleton.

While not venomous since this spider regularly feeds on dead and decaying matter. Their bites can cause infection if not treated right.

Despite their name, they also feed on other animals instead of woodlice like other spiders, and insects. 

30. Striped Lynx Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Oxyopidae 
• Scientific Name: Oxyopes salticus
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 4 to 7 mm (0.15 to 0.27 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

The striped lynx spider lives in grasslands, agricultural fields, gardens, and other highly vegetated areas.

This spider is active during the day and is sighted most in the summer, and late spring months. Striped lynx spiders are mainly found in the eastern United States, including Iowa.

The abdomen of this spider is very pointed, and its legs are long, and covered in thick hairs. Males and females look similar, and males are easily identifiable by their large pedipalps that look like boxing gloves.

Their color ranges from white to cream, and they are covered in dark-lined markings that run down their body. Lynx spiders are named after their cat-like movements and hunting abilities.

Lynx spiders ambush prey like smaller spiders and insects. They mainly use their silk to travel or make egg sacs. 

31. Eastern Parsons Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Gnaphosidae 
• Scientific Name: Herpyllus ecclesiasticus
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 5 to 12.7 mm (0.2 to 0.5 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 to 2 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

The eastern United States, including Iowa, is where the eastern parson’s spider can be found.

This spider is active at night, and during the day they create a silk sac to rest in. This spider lives in deciduous forests, hiding under rocks, logs, and other debris. It is common for them to make their way into homes.

The eastern parson’s spiders have black coloring, with brown coloring on their legs. Their abdomen has white markings that appear on the center of them. This spider has a spinneret on the end of their abdomen that looks similar to a tail.

Eastern parsons spiders are not dangerous to humans; their bites only cause mild symptoms unless allergic. They feed on insects, and other invertebrates, and are ambush hunters.

32. Spitting Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Scytodidae 
• Scientific Name: Scytodes thoracica
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 6 to 18 mm (0.25 to 0.75 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1.5 to 4 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a

Spitting spiders are unique arachnids that are able to spit a substance at prey to help neutralize them.

These spiders are found all around the world, including Iowa. They prefer warm environments and are found indoors, inside caves, under rocks, and in other places that are dark and secluded.

Spitting spiders spit a mix of liquid silk and venom. They are able to attack at a speed of up to 28 m/s and can spit up to 0.79 inches far.

This spider is small, to medium-sized. They have tan to dark brown coloring. They sometimes appear with dark bands and a mottled pattern on them.

Spitting spiders only have six eyes, and their head and body segments are very round. Their legs are long, and thin, with their front being the longest.

Spitting spiders are active at night, and spend this time looking for food. They feed on small insects and other spiders.

Their front legs are used to aim, and they move very slowly when getting ready to attack. The substance this spider spits is in a zig-zag pattern that entangles prey.

33. Brown Recluse 

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Sicariidae 
• Scientific Name: Loxosceles reclusa
• Other Names: Violin spiders 
• Adult Size: 7 mm (0.27 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 to 2 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a

Iowa is one of the sixteen states in the U.S. where the brown recluse can be found. Within Iowa, this spider is only found in the far southern region.

Brown Recluses are one of the most dangerous spiders in North America. They live in secluded areas like under rocks, dead logs, and within leaf litter.

Brown recluses are plain-looking spiders, with tan coloring. Their dark violin-shaped marking is their most identifiable trait.

Other brown spiders are often confused for this species, but their plain appearance and the violin-shaped marking on their carapace are this spider’s most identifying traits. This spider only has six eyes instead of eight.

Their legs are long and thin, and their abdomen is rounded like a thumb. Small hairs cover the brown recluse. Their coloring ranges from light brown to gray.

Recluse spiders are nocturnal and are sometimes found in homes. They spend their night hunting, feeding on soft-bodied insects like roaches, flies, and moths.

This spider bite is one of the most dangerous in Iowa. Sometimes found indoors, they are one of the few spiders that can infest an area like a basement, or attic.

34. Northern Crab Spider 

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Thomisidae
• Scientific Name: Mecaphesa asperata
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 3 to 7 mm (0.11 to 0.27)
• Lifespan: 1 year
• Average Price Range: n/a

North and Central America is where the northern crab spider lives. This spider is a type of flower crab spider that makes its home on vegetation and flowering plants.

Northern crab spiders are found in meadows, grasslands, gardens, and other similar habitats. Like other similar spiders, the northern crab spider is active in the summer, and fall months.

Northern crab spiders have a yellowish, tan, or white coloring. They are covered in brown markings and tiny thick hairs.

This species has bands on its legs, with two dark stripes on its carapace. Their legs are like a crab, and allow them to move in any direction.

This spider spends its time on vegetation and is mainly active during the day. Their coloring and markings serve as camouflage, allowing insects to get close to them.

When close enough this spider grabs its prey with its two front legs. Butterflies, beetles, flies, and other insects are what they eat.

35. American Green Crab Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Thomisidae 
• Scientific Name: Misumessus oblongus
• Other Names: Green Crab Spider
• Adult Size: 3 to 6.8 mm (0.12 to 0.27 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year
• Average Price Range: n/a 

Green crab spiders are found in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This spider is one of the many in the Thomisidae family that lives in Iowa.

Meadows, grasslands, gardens, and prairie habitats are where this species lives. They are active in the summer, and fall months. This spider is named after its pale green coloring, but they sometimes appear in a silver shade.

Like other species in the Thomisidae spider, the green crab spider has crab-like legs that allow them to move similarly to a crab, and walk in any direction. The green crab spider sometimes has reddish, or brown markings on their abdomen.

Green crab spiders are active during the day, living on plant life. In the cold seasons, this spider overwinters and becomes active in the spring. Smaller spiders, moths, centipedes, and insects are mainly what this spider eats.

36. Goldenrod Crab Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Thomisidae 
• Scientific Name: Misumena vatia
• Other Names: Flower crab spider 
• Adult Size: 5 to 10 mm (0.20 to 0.39 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

Goldenrod crab spiders are found on plants like goldenrod, thistlewood, milkweed, and other flowering plants. This spider is found in North America and Europe.

They are active most in the summer and fall months. Goldenrod crab spiders are diurnal and prefer to live in temperate climates.

The goldenrod crab spider is sexually dimorphic. Males have small abdomens, with longer legs. Females have a bulbous abdomen and crab-like body. This spider has yellow, or white coloring, and is able to change between the two to better blend into their environments.

Goldenrod crab spiders have reddish-to-brown markings on their body. The prey that this spider eats also affects their color, since their food can be sometimes seen in their bodies.

Goldenrod crab spiders feed on flies, bees, butterflies, and other similar insects. They use their coloring to blend into flowers and grab prey that gets near with their strong front claws.

Their venom is used to neutralize prey, and due to their small size crab spider bites are not typically strong enough to break skin.

37. White-banded Crab Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Thomisidae 
• Scientific Name: Misumenoides formosipes
• Other Names: n/a
• Adult Size: 3 to 11 mm (0.11 to 0.43 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

The white-banded crab spiders are a species active in the summer, and early fall. This species is native to North America and is one of the many types of crab spiders in Iowa.

The white-banded crab spiders live in meadows, gardens, and fields. They make their homes on marigolds, thistles, milkweeds, and other similar flowers.

This spider is sexually dimorphic, with females being larger than males. Males have small abdomens, with long dark legs. Females have a very bulbous abdomen, with robust crab-like legs.

White-banded crab spiders are white, or yellow colored, and are named after the bold band marking on the top of their carapace. Like the goldenrod crab spider, this species is able to change its color from white to yellow, to better blend into its environment. 

White-banded crab spiders use their camouflage to stay hidden and wait for prey to get near. They feed on pollinator insects, like bees, and butterflies.

Males are nectarivores and feed mainly on the nectar from flowers.

38. Ground Crab Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Thomisidae 
• Scientific Name: Xysticus sphericus
• Other Names: n/a
• Adult Size: 3 to 9 mm ( 0.11 to 0.35 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a

Xysticus sphericus is a type of ground crab spider that lives in Iowa and across the United States. This species is found on the forest floor under rocks, leaves, and decaying logs.

They may sometimes be seen on buildings, plants, and large trees. Ground crab spiders are sighted year-round, but are seen most often in the spring months.

This species has a body similar to a crab, with a large abdomen, and crab-like legs. They have a tan color, with a mottled pattern on them. Spiders within the Xystiucs genus have a light-colored bold stripe on the top of their carapace.

Small insects are the majority of what this spider eats. They use their strong front legs to grab prey and inject them with venom to neutralize them.

This spider uses its coloring to camouflage and is a sit-and-wait predator.

39. Deadly Ground Crab Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Thomisidae 
• Scientific Name: Xysticus funestus
• Other Names: n/a
• Adult Size: 5 to 10 mm (0.2 to 0.4 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

Despite its name, the deadly crab spider is a harmless species and is not seen often.

This spider is found all across the United States, including Iowa. Native to North America, this spider is mainly found in forested habitats and is terrestrial.

Deadly ground crab spiders like other species in the Thomisidae family are named after their crab-shaped bodies and legs. This spider has a tan to orangish coloring and is covered in small orangish bumps.

Bites from the deadly ground crab spider do not occur often since they live in areas where humans are not present. Deadly ground crab spiders use their coloring to camouflage into surfaces and grab prey with their strong front legs.

This species is often seen on plants, trees, and on the ground.

40. Running Crab Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Philodromidae 
• Scientific Name: Philodromus spp.
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 38 mm (1.5 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a

Running crab spiders are not a member of the Thomisidae family but of the family Philodromidae. There are around 500 species of spiders in this family, and over 30 genera.

Running crab spiders are found in Iowa, and other areas across the United States. They are more common in woodlands and are sometimes found in deserts and urban areas.

Running crab spiders are named after their crab-like body shape. The front pairs of their legs are curved, and oriented sideways. This spider has tan coloring, with a mottled pattern covering them.

This species is named after its speed, which it uses to run down, and ambush prey. These spiders are mainly active during the day and feed on prey like aphids, insects, and other small prey they come across.

Running crab spiders are harmless to humans, and use their speed to avoid predators.

41. Bold Jumping Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Salticidae 
• Scientific Name: Phidippus audax
• Other Names: Daring jumping spider 
• Adult Size: 6 to 19 mm (0.23 to 0.74 inches) 
• Lifespan:  1 year
• Average Price Range: $20 to $30 

Bold jumping spiders are one of the most common species of Salticidae in the United States. Their range covers most of the United States, and they live in temperate climates.

This spider spends its time in open woodlands, agricultural fields, grasslands, and urban areas. They are often found close to humans and traverse vertical surfaces like walls, the sides of houses, and fences.

Bold jumping spiders are black, and get their name from their daring nature and bold colorings. This spider has vibrant iridescent chelicerae that have a greenish hue. Their abdomens can have an orange, or white coloring that changes as they molt and age.

Bold jumping spiders begin to mate after completing their final molt. Females emit pheromones through the draglines they leave.

When finding a female ready to mate this spider performs an arm-waving dance along with side-to-side movements. Late spring and early summer are when this spider typically mates.

Females lay between 30 to 170 eggs, placing them in a disc-shaped sac. When incubating, this spider guards their sacs, until her spiderlings emerge.

During the day this spider spends its time hunting. Spider wasps, dragonflies, birds, and lizards are this species’ main predators.

They are a docile species, making them common pets due to their larger size and ability to be handled.

42. Dimorphic Jumping Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Salticidae
• Scientific Name: Maevia inclemens
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 4.75 to 8 mm (0.187 to 0.31 inches) 
• Lifespan:  1 year
• Average Price Range: $20 to $30 

The dimorphic jumping spider is a species found in the eastern and mid-western regions of the United States. This spider is often seen on man-made structures.

They are sighted most in the May and June months. This spider is more often seen in outdoor buildings like barns and sheds, rather than houses.

Dimorphic jumping spiders are sexually dimorphic, and males also have different morphs they appear in. Males can either appear all black, with cream legs or might be a gray morph.

Males with a gray morph have light gray coloring and are covered with a brown or black mottled pattern. Females look similar to the gray morph but are lighter colored.

Males of each morph account for around 50% of the population. Despite looking different, they are the same species, and they have the same chance of breeding successfully.

The day is when this spider spends its time hunting for small insects, using its jumps to pounce on prey and escape predators.

43. Tan Jumping Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Salticidae 
• Scientific Name: Platycryptus undatus
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 8.5 to 13 mm (0.33 to 0.51 inches) 
• Lifespan:  1 year
• Average Price Range: $20 to $30

Tan jumping spiders are a widespread spider in the eastern United States, found in places like Iowa. This species is often seen on surfaces like fence posts, trees, and the side of homes.

Tan jumping spiders are sighted often in the bark of trees, and shrubs. They are active during the day and at night, they rest in a silk sac.

Tan jumping spiders are named after their coloring that helps them blend into brown surfaces. Sometimes they appear more gray in color. They have a wavy marking on their abdomen, bands on their legs, and are extremely hairy.

The months from spring to fall are when this spider is most active. In winter they hibernate together in groups that get up to 50 members large.

This spider is docile, and if spotted uses its fast jumps to flee.

44. Zebra Jumping Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Salticidae
• Scientific Name: Salticus scenicus
• Other Names: Zebra Spider 
• Adult Size: 5 to 9 mm (0.19 to 0.35 inches) 
• Lifespan:  1 year
• Average Price Range: $20 to $30 

Zebra jumping spiders are found across the United States.

This species’ range covers the Northern Hemisphere, and they live across North America, North Asia, and Europe. Zebra jumping spiders are active during the day and spend their time on surfaces like walls, rocks, and tree trunks. 

This spider is named after its black and white coloring and the zebra markings that cover them. Zebra jumping spiders are a smaller species that are covered in white hairs.

Females are slightly larger, and also lighter colored. Zebra jumping spiders have eyes like other Salticidae that give them a nearly 360 range of vision.

This spider, when active during the day, hunts for small insects to feed on, eating things like moths, mosquitos, and other prey up to twice their size. They stalk their prey like a cat and pounce on them at a close enough range.

45. Putnam Jumping Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Salticidae 
• Scientific Name: Phidippus putnami
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 5 to 13 mm (0.19 to 0.51 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a

The eastern United States is where the Putnam Jumping spider is mainly found.

This spider is one of the many types of Salticidae in Iowa. Putnam jumping spiders are a very active species in the day and are sighted most in the spring and early summer months.

Being a member of the Phidippus genus, this jumping spider is robust. They are extremely hairy and vary greatly in color. This spider ranges from tan to bluish-black in color.

Bands appear on their legs, and they have white, and dark markings on their abdomens. This spider has tufts of hair that appear on the top of its head, and its eyes may look hollow when looked at under certain lighting.

Like other jumping spiders the Putnam jumping spider feeds on small insects like moths, crickets, and flies. Their days are spent roaming on vertical surfaces.

A silk thread is used when traveling to prevent them from falling and dying.

46. White-jawed Jumping Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Salticidae 
• Scientific Name: Hentzia mitrata 
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 4 to 6 mm (0.15 to 0.23 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 to 2 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

The white-jawed jumping spider is found in the United States, Canada, and even the Bahama Islands.

These spiders are one of the many types of jumping spiders that live in Iowa. Like other Salticidae spiders, this species is active during the day and spends its time hunting for small insects to feast on.

Male white-jawed jumping spiders have long front legs, and tan markings on their carapace, and abdomen. Females have larger bodies and are white with a grayish-mottled pattern covering them.

White-jawed jumping spiders are very hairy, and they have the eye size, and arrangement that give them excellent eyesight to hunt.

47. Sylvana Jumping Spider 

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Salticidae
• Scientific Name: Colonus sylvanus
• Other Names: Woodland jumping spider 
• Adult Size: 7.55 mm (0.29 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 year
• Average Price Range: $20 to $30 

Woodland jumping spiders are active during the day and are found on plants, bushes, and other vegetation.

They are sometimes found under stone, in bark, or within leaf litter when not active. This species like other jumping spiders may sometimes make their way indoors, due to their excellent agility.

Woodland jumping spiders are a sexually dimorphic species. Females are a light cream or tan color, with a mottled pattern on their abdomen. Males have reddish color heads, with an olive abdomen that is very pointed, and dark legs.

This species spends most of its day hunting in highly vegetated places for small insects. At night they rest in secluded areas within a silk sac like other jumping spiders.

48. Pike Slender Jumping Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Salticidae
• Scientific Name: Marpissa pikei
• Other Names: Long-bodied Jumping Spider
• Adult Size: 8 mm (0.31 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a

Pike slender jumping spiders live in Iowa and are found in other parts of the eastern United States. This spider is found in grasslands, and shores, and is active from spring to fall.

Pike slender jumping spiders have similar behavior to other jumping spiders despite their more slender appearance. They are active during the day, and when mating males dance to attract mates.

The body and head of this spider are very slender, and its length is around three times its width. Males have dark front legs, with a bold stripe running across their back, and white coloring.

Females are also white, with a mottled pattern over them. They have two large eyes on the front of their face, and smaller ones that circle their head.

The pike’s slender jumping spider is not seen often since they are small and slender. If spotted this spider jumps quickly away into vegetation.

49. Ant-mimic Jumping Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Salticidae
• Scientific Name: Sarinda hentzi
• Other Names: n/a
• Adult Size: 5 to 7 mm (0.19 to 0.27 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year
• Average Price Range: n/a

Sarinda hentzi is one of the many spiders in Iowa that is an ant mimic.

This species is found in the United States, and are commonly found in grasslands, and prairie habitats in the spring and fall months. Ant-mimic jumping spiders are very similar to other Salticidae, but their body and behavior mimic ants.

This spider is small and has black, brown, or reddish coloring. Unlike ants, their bodies are divided into two segments instead of three, and they also have eight legs, instead of six.

The slender bodies of ant-mimic spiders allow them to escape predators. Their appearances also make them less likely to be attacked by certain predators like prey mantis, other spiders, or wasps.

50. Slender Ant-mimic Jumping Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Salticidae
• Scientific Name: Synemosyna formica
• Other Names: n/a
• Adult Size: 3 to 6.35 inches (0.12 to 0.25 inches)
• Lifespan: 1 year
• Average Price Range: n/a

The slender ant mimic spider is one of the few ant mimic spiders that live in Iowa. This spider lives in grasslands, bushes, and other similar areas.

They are active during the day and use their jumping ability to traverse. This spider may easily be confused for a red ant, but they are arachnids and have eight legs.

Red ant-mimic jumping spiders are very small and live close to the types of ants they mimic. They have orangish coloring, with the eye formation of Salticidae on their heads.

Copying an ant helps this spider stay protected from animals like prey mantis, and other spiders. Ants are actually this spider’s main predator.

51. Iridescent Leaf-beetle Jumping Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Salticidae
• Scientific Name: Sassacus cyaneus
• Other Names: n/a
• Adult Size: 3.1 mm (0.12 inches)
• Lifespan: 6 months to 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

Sassacus cyaneus is sometimes called the iridescent leaf-beetle jumping spider, and this species is one of the many species that live in Iowa.

This spider is native to Sonora Mexico, and is also found in other regions in North America. Originally this spider was placed in the Agassa genus, but in 2008 was transferred to the Sassacus genus.

At first glance, you may think this spider is a beetle due to their body shape, but unlike insects, they have eight legs. This spider has a rounded body, with dark black coloring, with a greenish iridescent glow.

Like other jumping spiders this species has two large eyes, with smaller ones that wrap around their head like a crown. This species is smaller in size and mainly found in vegetation and on vertical surfaces.

52. Bronze Jumping Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Salticidae 
• Scientific Name: Eris militaris
• Other Names: Bronze lake jumper 
• Adult Size: 4.7 to 8 mm (0.18 to 0.31 inches) 
• Lifespan: 6 months to 1 year 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

Bronze jumping spiders are found in the United States and Canada. This species in the late fall and winter hide together in groups under debris like logs.

They are a secretive species, sighted most in the early spring. Bronze jumping spiders are diurnal, and traverse plant life and vegetation.

This spider is named after their bronze coloring, which helps them blend into wooden surfaces. Males of this species have a dark cephalothorax, with white bands on their sides. Females have a lighter cephalothorax, with a darker abdomen, and a mottled appearance.

Bronze jumping spiders are seen most in the early spring, and fall months. This spider is active during the day, hunting for small insects like grasshoppers, and flies, and even eating other spiders.

Studies have shown when exposed to the insecticide, this spider loses some of its cognitive ability, and also makes it harder for them to catch prey. Bronze jumping spiders are harmless to humans, and are beneficial in gardens, and agricultural fields since they feast on pests.

53. Brilliant Jumping Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner 
• Family: Salticidae 
• Scientific Name: Phidippus clarus
• Other Names: n/a  
• Adult Size: 3 to 4 mm ( 0.11 to 0.15 inches)
• Lifespan: 6 months to 2 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

Brilliant jumping spiders are just one of the many types of Salticidae in Iowa.

This species is found across North America and is mainly found in the eastern United States. Brilliant jumping spiders are found in highly vegetated areas and are active in the day on plant life like basil leaves.

This spider is usually reddish brown, and black, but can sometimes appear lighter yellow, or tan. They have a bold stripe and spots on the center of their abdomen, with a mottled appearance. This spider is very hairy and has eyes and body shapes similar to other jumping spiders.

Brilliant jumping spiders are seen most in the summer and early fall months. They spend their day hunting in plant life, feeding on small insects they find.

Parasitic flies and wasps are this spider’s main predators. Like other similar species, they are able to jump 10 to 50 times their body length.

54. American Nursery Web Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Pisauridae 
• Scientific Name: Pisaurina Mira
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 15 mm (0.59 inches) 
• Lifespan: 2 years 
• Average Price Range: $10

American nursery web spiders are named after the nursery they build for their spiderlings. This spider is active in woodlands, grasslands, and other highly vegetated areas.

They are one of the most common spiders in Iowa, and the eastern United States. Places with lots of tall grass, shrubs, and plants are where they are seen most.

The American nursery web spider breeds in the summer months Females are sometimes seen holding onto their egg sacs, and placing them in a web nursery when they are ready to hatch. Nursery web spiders care for their spiderlings, until after the first molt when they begin to disperse.

This spider has a tan, to orange coloring. They have a dark bold stripe on their dorsal that has a wavy appearance when it gets to their abdomen.

This spider has long legs and a slender body. They have eight eyes, placed in two rows, with four eyes on each row.

Small insects like gnats, mosquitoes, and other spiders are what this species eats. They are a nocturnal species, sometimes spotted in the day sitting on vegetation.

Nursery web spiders are a wandering species, and they are also able to walk on water to escape predators, or catch prey.

55. Dark Fishing Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Pisauridae 
• Scientific Name: Dolomedes tenebrosus
• Other Names: n/a 
• Adult Size: 6.8 to 25.4 mm (0.27 to 1 inch)
• Lifespan: 2 years 
• Average Price Range: n/a 

Fishing spiders are named after their ability to fish, walk, and dive in water. The dark fishing spider, unlike other similar species, is found in woodlands, gardens, and grasslands near water.

It is more common for this species to travel away from water and deep in drier wooded habitats. Dark fishing spiders are sighted most in the summer and fall months.

In Iowa, the dark fishing spider is one of the largest spiders in the state and is often confused for being a wolf spider. This species’ color ranges from tan to dark gray.

They are very hairy, and covered in bands on their legs. Their abdomens have w-shaped markings on them, and their legs are long, and stretch out the sides of their body.

This spider is an active hunter, doing most of their hunting at night. This spider feeds on small fish, tadpoles, insects, and other small animals they may find.

Large fish, frogs, and birds are this spider’s most common predators.

56. Tiger Wolf Spider

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Lycosidae 
• Scientific Name: Tigrosa helluo
• Other Names:  Wetland Giant Wolf Spider
• Adult Size: 6.3 to 50 mm (0.24 to 1.9 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 to 4 years 
• Average Price Range: $20 to $40 dollars 

Tiger wolf spiders are one of the types of wolf spiders in Iowa. This species is native to the United States. They live in different habitats like woodlands, marshes, and grasslands.

It is common for this spider to hide under debris, and nest in burrows. This spider is sighted more often near water sources like lakes, and they are active in the summer and fall.

This wolf spider is one of the larger spiders in Iowa. They have tan coloring, and a yellow, or orange stripe runs down the center of their carapace.

Black spots appear on this spider’s abdomen. Males have yellowish legs, while females’ legs are reddish brown with bands.

Wolf spiders are named after their wolf-like hunting ability. They are very speedy, and ambush prey. Wolf spiders are nocturnal and use their excellent eyesight to track prey.

They have two large eyes on the center of their face with two above those, and four on the bottom row. The orange marking on this spider, and its fierce nature is why they are called tiger wolf spiders.

57. Carolina Wolf Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate 
• Family: Lycosidae 
• Scientific Name: Hogna carolinensis
• Other Names: Giant Wolf Spider 
• Adult Size: 19 to 25 mm (0.7 to 0.98 inches) 
• Lifespan: 1 to 4 years 
• Average Price Range: $45 

Carolina wolf spiders are one of the largest spiders in Iowa. This species lives in woodlands, shrublands, gardens, and coastal forests.

They are nocturnal, and during the day hide in burrows, or under natural debris. This species is sighted most in the summer and fall months.

Carolina wolf spiders have tan to gray coloring, sometimes appearing nearly black. Their large size is their most identifying trait, and a mottled pattern covers them.

Due to the tapetum lucidum in their eyes, when shined with a light their eyes glow at night. This spider is hairy, with an almond-shaped abdomen. Females Carolina wolf spiders are larger, and also darker colored.

Females after mating carry their spiderlings on their backs until they are ready to disperse. They are very protective of their young and guard their sacs in their burrows.

Females have up to 200 young in their sacs. After a week spiderlings disperse, with males dying the same year,  and females capable of living for multiple more.

Carolina wolf spiders hunt at night and use their speed to ambush prey. Small insects and invertebrates are what this spider eats, and they use their venom to paralyze prey.

This species is harmless to humans, and bites usually only cause mild pain and swelling for a short period.

58. Trapdoor Spider

• Experience Level: Intermediate  
• Family: Halonoproctidae 
• Scientific Name:  Ummidia spp.
• Other Names: Cork lid spider 
• Adult Size: (1 to 1.6 inches) 
• Lifespan: 5 to 20 years 
• Average Price Range: $30 

The trapdoor spider is a species found across the United States, including Iowa. This spider is not seen often, since they spend most of their lives underground in burrows.

Trapdoor spiders are close relatives of tarantulas. They use their chelicerae to dig their burrows and create a silk lid to keep themselves concealed.

These spiders have a dark brown to black coloring, with a glossy appearance. They have robust bodies, and tiny hairs cover them. Males have smaller abdomens, and thinner legs compared to females.

Trapdoor spiders are nocturnal and wait near the edge of their burrow for food. They feed on insects, lizards, small rodents, and other small animals that pass through their burrows.

Using vibrations they know when prey is near, and use their large fangs to strike. Parasitic wasps are the trapdoor spider’s main predator.

If threatened this spider will hold its silk lid shut to prevent predators from attacking.

FAQ

Wrapping up

Spiders are a very common animal to find in Iowa, and are beneficial to the habitats they live in, despite many humans fearing them.

Spiders are very helpful to humans since they feed on pest insects that make their way into homes, or ones that feed on garden plants. Animals like salamanders, lizards, birds, and small mammals rely on spiders for food.

Despite their reputation, the more you learn about spiders the less you begin to fear them and appreciate how amazing these arachnids are. Some spiders like the cellar spider, or jumping spiders make great pets for those interested in getting an up-close view of why spiders are so amazing. Even larger tarantulas can be great pets for beginners.

In Iowa, there are more than 58 spider species, and there may be some that you find not on this list. Small in size, some spiders are difficult to study because of their shorter lifespan, and secretive nature.

Those who live in Iowa have the capability of helping document the spiders in the state and see which ones are the most common.